The Canyon Creek Stock 4-H club has raised nearly $19,000 to build a new, larger wash rack at the Lewis and Clark County fairgrounds, a project the club's 28 members say will make a meaningful difference when more than 400 4-H members bring livestock to county fair each summer. The new facility will more than triple the size of the existing wash rack, which members say has long been too cramped during fair week.

"We've needed this for a while, cause it's always been crammed during fair," said club member Bode Fitzsimmons. "When we need to wash our steers, especially on show day, it's really important to get them all clean." Club president Addison Fitzsimmons said the upgrade will benefit not just Canyon Creek Stock members but all 4-H participants who use the fairgrounds for jackpot competitions and other events throughout the year.

The project had help from local businesses. Matrix Construction, Capital Concrete, and AJ Concrete Pumping all volunteered their labor and donated half of the concrete needed for the project. Matrix Construction owner Zach Holshue said his company was glad to support the club. "4-H is a good club. I think they create good values and morals in the youth of our community. We just take that opportunity to help these kids and push along their club."

The club members came up with the project idea themselves, accounting for the needs of different types of animals. Once complete, the wash rack will be available to all Lewis and Clark County 4-H members. The Lewis and Clark County Fair typically draws more than 100 animals in its livestock shows each year.